Week 2 Learning Reflection

Week 2 has provided me with more clarity into what exactly "action research". I actively participate in research at school, whether it be desegregating TAKS or benchmark data, new programs our school is looking into, etc. I guess I have just never heard it called "action research". This week, reading every one's discussion post, watching the lecture videos, and meeting with my supervisor has really help me find direction in my research topic.

Benefits of Using Blogging

The benefits of educational leaders using blogging as a communication tool is limitless. Blogging is a great tool for educators to network with other educators outside of their district, an opportunity to hear how others are approaching or handling an issue, and chance to share ideas and thoughts with others, and participate in book studies with educators around the world. Educators are students at heart and crave that continuously learning and improving, blogging allows for a convenient way to keep communication going between anyone.

What I have learned...

In the very early stages of this class I have already learned that an administrator that possess an action research mindset, is one that is continuously improving their campus/district. One that is always seeking ways to improve, grow, and learn. I appreciated the analogy given in the Examining What We Do To Improve Our Schools text about how a doctor approaches diagnosing a patients aliments. As an administrator or educator, you have to become accustom to constantly gathering data, analyzing, using your background knowledge and making judgments accordingly. I believe that to some the words "Action Research" sounds so big and time consuming, but in reality it is just an active approach to solving problems. Many of us use action research in everyday life, just maybe not to it's full capacity. Making yourself become a creature of this habit (action research) can only improve your approach to decision making. I can see how an administrator that uses action research would be better equipped to responsible and effective decisions for their campus and district.